Berea SAPS shares tips to safeguard children at shopping malls
In addition to the possibility of kidnapping, the team also highlighted the dangers of escalators and loose shoelaces.
WITH the festive season in full swing, Berea SAPS shared important safety awareness tips to ensure a child’s safety when visiting a shopping mall.
The spokesperson for the Berea SAPS, Captain Poobalan Naidoo said parents should not leave babies or young children unattended, or under the supervision of a minor child (under 16 years old), in a car.
“When leaving your child in a motor vehicle, under supervision, ensure that the vehicle keys are kept with the driver,” he said.
Naidoo said to ensure that there is sufficient ventilation for the occupant of the car. He noted that the windows must not be rolled down half way.
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He said children must be conditioned not to talk to strangers, or open any vehicle doors in the absence of an adult.
“Do not let your child stray from you inside the mall, or even inside a shop. Your child can be snatched in less than 20 seconds,” he said.
Naidoo said to make a wrist band for your child, which only contains your contact number.
“Mothers with babies/toddlers in strollers must ensure that the stroller is always close to their body when purchasing items. The child should face you, even if you are just browsing through items. Do not let a toddler sit in a shopping trolley either, unless he is visible to you at all times,” he said.
He added that parents must not accept gifts or sweets from strangers for their children.
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“Do not be distracted by a stranger starting up a conversation, even if it is a woman. Remember, criminals work in pairs. One distracts you, and the other snatches your child,” said Naidoo.
According to Naidoo parents should ensure that they have a current photo of their child.
“This will help the police search for your child, should they be kidnapped. Make a mental note of the clothing your child/children are wearing. This will help the security at the mall announce any lost children,” he said.
Naidoo said children must not be allowed to visit public toilets without adult supervision, or without the assistance of a person under the age of 16 years.
“The person accompanying the child should enter the public toilet facility and not stand outside the entrance to such facility. The responsible person should stand outside the toilet door from the moment the child enters the toilet cubicle until they exist,” he said.
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